237 New Qualifications For UCOL Class Of ‘09

237 New Qualifications For UCOL Wairarapa Class Of ‘09

Hard work and commitment has paid off for 180 UCOL graduates who earned a total of 237 degrees, certificates and diplomas at UCOL last year.

Many – but not all – of the new graduates will attend this Thursday’s annual Graduation Ceremony in Masterton, to receive their new qualifications.

Campus Manager Angela Hewitt says many programmes have other qualifications embedded in them, so students may come away with several nationally recognised qualifications. “It adds to their employability when they move into the job market,” she says.

Although the numbers attending Graduation have increased in recent years, Angela says many students have already been snapped up by employers, some outside the Wairarapa region, making attendance difficult. “However it’s for the best possible reason,” she says. “We are always delighted to hear that our graduates have been successful in the careers of their choice.”

UCOL Deputy Chief Executive Academic Bonnie Dewart says graduation is a very important moment for students. “It represents their means to a successful future, with a rounded education, a qualification and excellent employment prospects. “

Bonnie says graduation is also an important time to acknowledge the community groups and retailers who supported UCOL Wairarapa, its staff and students during another successful year. “It’s also a time for UCOL staff to celebrate and take pride in their own success in helping our students to reach their goals,” she says.

At Thursday’s ceremony in the Masterton Town Hall graduates will be capped with new qualifications in Health Science, Nursing, Early Childhood Education & Care, Business Administration and Computing, Carpentry, Hairdressing, Cosmetology and Nail Technology, Beauty, Mental Health, Sport and Exercise, Automotive, Computer Graphics, Networking and Desktop Support.

Scholarships, supported by the Carterton, South Wairarapa and Masterton District Councils and other local organisations, will be presented at Thursday’s ceremony.

The guest speaker will be world national champion runner Melissa Moon. Melissa has 21 national athletic titles and seven national cross-country titles—a feat that no other New Zealander has achieved. She won the World Mountain Running Title in 2001 and 2003.

In 2001, she was named New Zealand Sportswoman of the Year, Halberg Awards, Athletics New Zealand Athlete of the Year, Wellingtonian of the Year, Sport and the One Sportsperson of the Year.

In February this year Melissa won the women's race up the Empire State Building, New York’s tallest building, covering 1,576 steps and 86 flights in 13 minutes and 13 seconds.

Thursday’s ceremony starts at 1.30pm. At the conclusion at 3pm, the graduates and UCOL staff members will form a procession back to the UCOL Wairarapa campus for light refreshments.

ENDS

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